Steppage Gait
A gait pattern characterised by exaggerated hip and knee flexion to clear a foot that cannot be actively dorsiflexed due to foot drop.
Full Definition
Steppage gait, also called high-stepping gait, is a compensatory walking pattern seen in patients with foot drop caused by peroneal nerve palsy, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, or other neurological conditions. The patient lifts the knee excessively during swing phase to prevent the toe from catching the ground. In orthotics practice it is a primary functional indication for an ankle–foot orthosis. Editors must spell the term as two words ('steppage gait') without a hyphen and should not confuse it with 'scissor gait' or 'Trendelenburg gait.'
Usage
Usage note: Two words, no hyphen. Not interchangeable with 'foot drop'; steppage gait is the compensatory pattern, whereas foot drop is the impairment causing it.
In Context
- "The clinical note indicated steppage gait secondary to left peroneal nerve palsy, supporting the prescription of a posterior leaf spring AFO." — Clinical assessment note
- "The draft incorrectly hyphenated 'steppage-gait'; the correct form is two words without a hyphen." — Proofreading annotation